Final Signs

A very interesting book. I enjoyed reading it. The author begins by giving you an overview of his version of pretribulationism. But the best parts of the book are his well-written historical accounts and interesting commentary on numerous events relating to the endtimes. I found the vast background material to be very informative and a big plus.Mr. Hindson goes to great lengths to remind the reader to always distinguish between fact, assumption, and speculation, and he repeats this admonition often. He reacts to other writers' opinions in a professional manner, and offers practical advice for applying what you have learned.Some noticeable departures from a more traditional pretribulationism include:1) He sees the events of Matthew 24 as encompassing the entire church age. He states, "While some commentators limit the events of Matthew 24 to the tribulation period, it seems clear that they are occurring throughout the church age as the gospel is preached primarily to the Gentiles." This feature alone can seriously affect one's interpretation of endtime events.2) He also views the antichrist not as a person, "but a political, material, economic, and religious world system in the last days which is in itself 'antichrist'." He does go on to say that, "there will emerge a powerful individual who will control that system and use it for evil against God's people."Although it is not my main goal to overscrutinize minor inaccuracies, I feel it is necessary to mention two instances. First, because they do seem to play a major role in the author's thinking, and second, because the average reader may not perceive the discrepancies without them being pointed out.In the introduction the author instructs the reader to distinguish between the rapture, which is signless and occurs before the events of the tribulation period, and the second coming (or "Glorious Appearing", as it is known in pretribulationism), which is preceded by "final signs" most of which take place after the rapture of the church. I accept this as the basic premise of pretribulationism.However, when attempting to demonstrate this relationship, some scriptures are not used accurately.1) On page 8, in the introduction, the author states, "At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory" (LUKE 21:25-27). He goes on to say, "These warning signs clearly have to do with Christ's return in judgment on an unbelieving world. They will occur toward the END OF THE GREAT TRIBULATION."Having just said this, in the very next pararaph he says, "As we begin to see the potential of these final signs taking shape, we can safely assume that OUR LORD'S COMING FOR HIS CHURCH is drawing near." He then goes on to quote, "When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near" (LUKE 21:28). He then adds, "Keep looking up!" as a hopeful admonition to the church to lo